The Lover’s Hermitage
Over the years many readers have enjoyed my book The Mystery of Marriage. But hardly anyone ever mentions the poem at the end, “The Lover’s Hermitage.” This puzzles me, because I think it’s a fine poem, maybe the best thing in the whole book.
Finally someone has noticed! Not only that, but my poem has become the lyrics of a song. Follow this link to listen to Marchel Kelley’s beautiful version of “The Lover’s Hermitage.” Thanks, Marchel, for this great gift!
*****
Love, you are my hermitage,
my dwelling for ever.
Just as a happy bachelor
may aspire to be a hermit,
so as your husband[/wife] do I dream
of being more married.
Your body is a path leading
through a golden wood;
your love is a clearing
in the center of the forest.
Here have I built my home,
here in you alone.
With you I know a solitude
deeper than my own.
One table, one rocking chair
by the hearth of you—
and in your face a window
brighter than the sky!
When you smile I’m warmed
like earth in the sun.
Your laugh is the brook
at my doorstep.
Your words are quieter
than my thoughts.
Gladly shall I spend my life
in the cool still hush of you.
Gentler are you than breath,
stranger than death.
Just to touch your hair
is more peaceful than sleep.
Surely all my wandering
finds its end in you.
In the depth of your eyes
may I safely die.
Love, you are my hermitage,
my dwelling for ever.
